Heat, penny candy, and salad recipes

It’s too hot to cook unless you have air conditioning. Can you imagine having to work around all the hot ovens of a restaurant, or even at a factory? How can anyone work in those conditions? Lot of people are lucky to be working in air conditioning places.

I don’t have central air or air conditioning. I never liked it and I waited all winter for hot weather to come. But being in the 90s is too hot. The humidity makes it worse.

I got some fresh zucchini this week. I love the zucchini bread recipe I have, but I have found many different ways to make it. For example, you can put crushed pineapple or applesauce in the batter. I talked with one lady who had a recipe for chocolate zucchini bread. I don’t think I would care for that — I’m not a chocolate person. I can eat it, but I have my own favorite sweets I enjoy more.

When I was growing up, we only got candy once a week on pay day, which was Friday. Mom and Dad would buy two bags of candy for us to enjoy. Sometimes during our school lunch period I wouldn’t buy milk, then go with friends to George’s Five and Dime Store for penny candy. Those were the good ol’ days.

Until next time, enjoy these recipes.

Broccoli Salad

• 1 bunch broccoli, cut up

• 1/2 cup raisins

• 1 small red onion, sliced thin

• 12 strips bacon, fried crisp and crumbled

• 1/2 cup water chestnuts, sliced

• 1 cup mayonnaise

• 1/4 cup sugar

• 2 tbsp. cider vinegar

In large bowl, combine broccoli, raisins, onions, bacon, and chestnuts. Cover and refrigerate. Dressing: combine mayonnaise, sugar, and vinegar. Toss veggies and dressing about one hour before serving. Note: I put chopped pecans in mine.